The Nursing Professional Governance (NPG)council structure at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is designed to empower nurses and support the continued advancement of the nursing profession. Operating at both the hospital wide and unit-based levels, NPG provides a structured platform for nurses to actively uphold and implement the Nursing Philosophy and Standards of Pediatric Practice, while aligning council goals with the organization's mission, values, and strategic goals.
NPG fosters professional development by allowing nurses to take ownership of and make decisions directly impacting their professional practice. Councils are led by clinical nurses, with nurse leaders serving as facilitators, ensuring collaboration between all levels of nursing. This structure enables nurses to take an active role in shaping their practice environment, advancing the nursing profession, and driving initiatives that improve patient care. Nurses involved in NPG gain valuable leadership experience, contribute to evidence-based practice, and help shape the future of nursing at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.
Council goals align with the Nursing Strategic Plan, organizational goals, and exemplify the Magnet culture by fostering collaboration, advancing evidence-based practice, and empowering nurses to lead initiatives that improve patient care, outcomes, and the nurse practice environment. NPG Councils drive innovation and support the continuous advancement of Nursing Professional Practice and organizational excellence.
Chairpersons from the Hospital Wide Councils and Unit Practice Councils (UPCs) present progress and outcomes to the Nurse Executive Council (NEC) on a quarterly basis. NEC, chaired by the Nurse Executive SVP/CNO, oversees all aspects of nursing practice and ensures alignment with organizational objectives and nursing excellence.
Nursing Professional Governance Structure
Quality and Safety Outcomes Council
- The Quality & Safety Outcomes Council enhances patient care outcomes and drives quality-based goals by implementing organization-wide structures and processes rooted in evidence-based practices.
Nursing Research and EBP Council
- The Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (NREBP) Council is the interprofessional governing body, for which nursing services promotes, supports, facilitates, and conducts nursing research studies and evidence-based practice projects.
- The NREBP Council reviews and approves all nursing research proposals and makes recommendations as appropriate; heightens awareness of EBP with annual workshops; and provides consultation to potential researchers on the external IRB process (WIRB) in collaboration with the Nicklaus Children's Research Institute and its standing council members.
Clinical Practice Council
- The Clinical Practice Council advances nursing expertise through certification, STEPP, and education while refining clinical policies, procedures, and collaborating with supply chain for point-of-care equipment evaluation.
Finance Council
- The Finance Council focuses on creating innovative cost savings initiatives, operational functioning, and strategic goals relating to finances while enhancing the nurse practice environment.
Exemplary Professional Practice Council
- The Exemplary Professional Practice Council evaluates and applies the Nursing Professional Practice Model, reinforces Magnet standards and supports a culture of nursing excellence within the organization and the larger community.
Engagement & Recognition Council
- The Engagement & Recognition Council promotes employee engagement through innovative strategies and organizes both internal and external nursing and interprofessional recognition efforts.
Advance Practice Provider Council
- The Advanced Practice Provider Council promotes advanced practice nurse advocacy and the advancement and interdisciplinary collaboration of the nursing profession through scholarly activities, focusing on the unique needs of the advanced practice provider.
Nursing Operations Council
- The Nursing Operations Council promotes communication between all leadership levels focusing on leveraging a Magnet culture hospital wide, promotes leadership recognition and involvement, while supporting an environment of transparency and advocacy.
Night Shift Council
- The Night Shift Council provides a platform for night shift nurses to address and resolve specific challenges unique to their schedule, advocating for resources tailored to their needs, ad promotes positive staff engagement.
Well-Being Excellence Council
- The Well-Being Excellence Council empowers nurses by optimizing the use of available benefits and resources to foster a culture of well-being, leading to enhanced personal and professional fulfillment.
Nursing Professional Governance Leaders
Kristina Valiente Garcia DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Director of Nursing Excellence and Workforce Engagement
Kristina.Valiente@nicklaushealth.org
Kristina, with a clinical background in emergency nursing, plays a key role in advancing a professional nursing practice environment aligned with the ANCC Magnet framework and leads strategic initiatives focused on nursing engagement, professional governance, and workforce well-being.
Amanda Schmitt MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, CCRN, C-ELBW, NPD-BC
Magnet & Nursing Excellence Specialist
Amanda.Schmitt@nicklaushealth.org
Amanda, with a background in neonatal intensive care, is dedicated to advancing nursing professional practice and fostering a culture of excellence in patient care. She provides strategic leadership for our Magnet designation and oversees Nursing Professional governance to drive innovation and exemplify nursing excellence.
Renee Suarez BSN, RN, CPN
Chair of Nursing Professional Practice
Renee.Suarez@nicklaushealth.org
Renee is a dedicated Float Pool RN who started her journey at Nicklaus Children's Hospital as a SNIP. As the Chair of Nursing Professional Practice, she is an advocate for advancing the nursing profession through nursing research and evidence-based practice and Nursing Professional Governance.